The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a highly destructive parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to equine health and welfare. Unlike typical fly larvae that feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm maggots consume living flesh, resulting in...
Western pleasure stands as one of the most distinctive and enduring disciplines in Western riding, originating from the practical needs of working ranch horses and evolving into a highly refined competitive sport. Riders aim to present their horses as effortless...
The coffin bone, also known as the distal phalanx or P3, sits at the very tip of the horse's limb, completely encased by the hard hoof wall. Its unique shape provides the foundation for weight-bearing and shock absorption with every...
First cutting hay is traditionally harvested in the spring and tends to be coarse and high in fiber. This is because the plants have had more time to mature, resulting in a higher concentration of structural carbohydrates. First-cutting hay is...
Managing horses at shows requires a deep understanding of how unfamiliar environments can impact their health and performance. Horses undergo both physiological and behavioral changes in these settings, and without proper care, they may experience stress, illness, or injury. By...
Western dressage is an equestrian discipline that blends the time-honored principles of classical dressage with the tack, style, and culture of Western riding. In classical dressage, the horse learns to move smoothly, stay balanced, and respond to the rider's cues....
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a common, performance-limiting respiratory condition that affects horses of all breeds and disciplines, particularly young to middle-aged animals in training. Part of the equine asthma spectrum, IAD is characterized by airway inflammation and increased mucus...
The quality of the air horses breathe plays a critical role in their overall health and performance. Unlike humans, horses have a highly sensitive and efficient respiratory system designed to meet the oxygen demands of intense physical exertion. However, this...
Orchardgrass is a cool-season perennial grass widely grown in temperate regions and commonly used as forage for horses. It thrives in well-drained soils and moderate climates, producing dense, leafy growth that is typically quite palatable to horses. On average, orchardgrass...
Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms at the site of an injury in humans, extending beyond the original wound boundaries. They are dense, fibrous, and typically raised, smooth, and shiny in appearance. While horses do not develop...
In May of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for two Quarter Horse geldings named Clark and Andy. They weighed approximately 1000 lbs (500 kg) and were located in Texas, USA. Reported concerns included weight and topline issues following a...
Equine nasal strips are non-invasive devices used to support respiratory function in horses during intense physical activity. Made from stiff, spring-loaded plastic with an adhesive backing, these strips are applied externally across the upper part of the horse's nose. Their...
Aural plaques in horses are a skin condition characterized by thick, pale, crusty patches that develop on the inner surface of the ears. These plaques may begin as small, raised bumps and can gradually merge into larger areas of raised,...
Flaring nostrils in horses are a powerful visual cue that should never be overlooked. Often dismissed as a sign of excitement, exertion, or even just a quirk of a particular horse’s personality, nostril flaring can provide critical insights into a...
Horses that are well-conditioned or physically fit are better able to perform their work. A fit horse has a reduced risk of injury and soreness and their increased strength allows them to work more effectively. Achieving peak performance in horses...
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common tumors affecting horses, originating in the squamous epithelial cells that form the outermost layer of the skin and line various internal surfaces. This condition can develop in a wide range...
Bareback riding pads for horses offer a comfortable and secure way to ride without a traditional saddle, combining the close contact of bareback riding with added support and grip. Designed to cushion both horse and rider, these pads help distribute...
Hoof capsule avulsion, or hoof degloving, is a traumatic injury that can severely impact a horse’s ability to move and function normally. The hoof plays a vital role in supporting the horse's weight, absorbing shock, and maintaining balance, which is...
Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are illnesses that are contagious between animals and humans. Horses can contract and transmit several different zoonotic diseases to humans, including rabies, anthrax, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and ringworm. These pathogens represent three different types of microorganism...
In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 5-year-old Appendix gelding named Mikey, from Alberta, Canada. He weighed approximately 1000 lb (454 kg), and reported concerns included topline health. His owner’s primary goal was to support Mikey’s topline...
Emerging equine research is the cornerstone of expanding our understanding of equine health, nutrition, management, and performance. This growing body of research provides valuable insights for veterinarians, equine professionals, and researchers seeking to apply evidence-based approaches in both clinical and...
Proper feed storage is essential for effective horse care and efficient farm management. Horses rely on consistent, high-quality nutrition to maintain their health, performance, and overall well-being. Incorrect feed storage can lead to spoilage, contamination, and pest infestations, which waste...
Supporting Limb Laminitis (SLL) is a serious condition that develops when a horse places excessive weight on one limb due to an injury or other issue in the opposite leg. Prolonged compensatory weight bearing disrupts blood flow within the hoof,...
Neck threadworms (Onchocerca cervicalis) are a type of parasitic worm that primarily infect horses. The adult worms live deep within the ligamentum nuchae (the connective tissue along the horse's neck), while their microscopic larvae (microfilariae) migrate into the skin, where...
In January 2024, a progress report was submitted for an eleven-year-old off the track Thoroughbred gelding named Hades. He was located in Manitoba, Canada at the time of his progress report. He weighed approximately 1,150 lbs (522 kg) and was...
In August of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 4-year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding named Kevin. He was estimated as slightly overweight at 1,115 lb (506 kg). Reported concerns included hoof and topline quality and respiratory health....
Protein is an essential nutrient for horses and a key component of the equine diet. Adequate protein is required for supplying the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle, vital organs, bones, hooves and other tissues. A horse's protein...
Ice boots are a useful tool for managing recovery in horses after exercise or injury. These specially-designed equine devices help cool the horse’s legs, providing therapeutic benefits that reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Ice boots work on principles of cryotherapy:...
The cranial nerves play a vital role in a horse's neurological function, governing essential sensory and motor activities such as vision, hearing, chewing, swallowing, and facial expressions. These twelve pairs of nerves emerge directly from the brain rather than the...
The equine brain is a complex organ responsible for processing sensory information, controlling movement, and managing emotions. Unlike humans, whose brains are heavily developed for logical reasoning and problem-solving, horses rely more on instinct and sensory perception. Their brains are...
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